Antonio Strad Violin: Fine violin viola cello bass and bow. Nicolas Lupot

Nicolas Lupot

Nicolas Lupot

A very fine violin by Nicolas Lupot, labeled Nicolas Lupot Lathier, Rue Lroix de Petits-champs a Paris I'am 1810. Once piece maple back of medium curl and medium grain spruce top in Strad pattern, the varnish of dark red-brown color over golden-ground. Handsome screw, flawless purfling, even powerful, desirable sound that projects with somewhat sweetness, good choice for any occasion. With certificate.

Nicolas Lupot: born in Stuttgart, 1758-1824, study under his father and worked in Orleans until 1794, then went to Paris, became appointed violin maker for the king 1815, and for the Conservatoire 1816.This latter post involved the furnishing of all violins and cellos given to the first-prize winners. Ordered by Louis XVIII to make an orchestra of stringed instruments which were embellished with Arms of France. Ambitiously undertook in 1820 to replace all the instruments of the royal orchestra with new ones of his own make, but death in 1824 stopped him from fulfilling his plan.

Frequently received the title of “The French Stradivarius”, in Mirecourt there is a street named after him. Modeling (except a few after Guarnerius and Amati) always after that of Stradivarius and he imitated that genius more minutely than anybody else had or has ever done. This is why there is such a refreshing variety in his productions some of broad proportions, others more normal and some under the recognized full sizes as well as a few of long pattern. Workmanship generally beautifully finished. Scrolls absolute wonders of Stradivarian poises and of superlatively quick and certain carving. Margins always particularly strong and full.